Origin and history
The coconut, an iconic tropical fruit, comes from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), a majestic palm tree that has been cultivated for thousands of years on the coasts of South Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its name comes from the Portuguese word coco, meaning "face," in reference to the three small "eyes" visible on its shell. Considered a "tree of life," every part of the coconut palm was used by local populations: the fruit for food, the fibers for weaving, and the leaves for building. Today, coconuts are recognized worldwide for their nutritional value and benefits for the skin, hair, and vitality.